Arlington residents planning to celebrate the ushering in of 2026 will need to keep an eye on city service schedules, particularly when it comes to disposing of those festive party remnants. According to an announcement from the City of Arlington Office of Communication, the city's municipal offices and facilities are set to close their doors on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026. Revelers should take note that they will have to slightly modify their garbage and recycling schedules due to the holiday.
For those whose trash day usually falls on January 1st or 2nd, the city has issued a shift in the curbside collection period. "Residents whose regularly scheduled garbage and recycling collection day falls on Jan. 1 or Jan. 2 will have their curbside collection shifted by one day because of the holiday," the City of Arlington detailed. This means that Thursday's pickup will move to Jan. 2, 2026, and Friday's route will be pushed to Jan. 3, 2026, ensuring that celebratory disposals don't have too long to linger. Regular collections are set to resume come Jan. 5, 2026.
It's not just the waste services taking a holiday hiatus. Libraries, community centers, and more will also observe modified schedules next Wednesday, with locations such as the Lake Arlington Library and the Southeast Library wrapping up early at 5 p.m. Those needing services at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library or looking to tee off at the Arlington Tennis Center will find those venues operating with adjusted hours, too. But if you were hoping to visit the Arlington Animal Services or the Arlington ISD Natatorium, you'll be out of luck; these facilities will be closed.
As the first day of 2026 rolls in, a limited number of recreational facilities remain open, likely to cater to those wishing to kick-start New Year's resolutions. Among these, "The Beacon Recreation Center will open from 12 - 4 p.m.," and "Elzie Odom Athletic Center from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.," the city's announcement heralded. For golf enthusiasts, the links at Meadowbrook Golf Course and the Texas Rangers Golf Club will be accessible, along with their associated dining facilities. However, most major city facilities, including the City Hall and Arlington Municipal Court, will shut their doors in observance of the holiday.
